Methanol powered zero-carbon vessel design study

The marine and aviation industries currently present some of the greatest challenges to decarbonisation and clean energy. On land, with the investment in vehicle charging, and advancement of vehicle technology and efficiency, there is a clear path to reducing carbon emissions. On water and in the air there is a significantly greater challenge due to the long distances, adverse marine / aviation environment, and obvious lack of available charging infrastructure.

This challenge means that aircraft and ships have to carry enough fuel-energy for the duration of their journey, without the ability to refuel or recharge.

Whilst there has been progress in developing electric, or hybrid diesel-electric ships, if we are to successfully reduce carbon emissions from shipping, the answer lies beyond (current) battery technology. The energy density of even the best Li-ion batteries is approximately 100x less than diesel, presenting a significant weight issue for any vessel needing to travel a reasonable distance on a low, or zero carbon budget.

Methanol and its conversion to hydrogen via reforming technology present opportunities to decarbonise the marine industry. Whereas hydrogen presents significant challenges around storage and safety, methanol can be stored safely and effectively in standard atmospheric conditions. Methanol can also be produced with virtually zero carbon emissions, from sustainable biomass.

Methanol reforming technologies are currently available commercially; however they have been largely untested in commercial vessel design. The available equipment provides difficult challenges including, but not limited to: weight, geometry, carbon capture, effective engineering, and efficient conversion to energy.

In this study we will explore using commercially available methanol reformers and fuel-cell technology as a powerplant for leisure and commercial vessels. If the UK is to continue to play a lead role in the global challenges of decarbonisation then we must progress our ability to exploit green methanol in the marine industry.

The result of this study will be a detailed design for a small (38-40 foot) aluminium offshore concept craft, which can be used across the leisure and commercial marine industry. This vessel will pave the way for designing and building larger vessels such as Crew Transfer Vessels for the expanding offshore wind industry in the UK and beyond.

This work will progress our understanding and commercial exploitation in two of the four UK Government "Grand Challenge" areas: Clean Growth, and Future of Mobility.